Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Lowering A 4x4

Old Aug 14, 2006
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REPOBUD's Avatar
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From: DREXEL HILL PA
Lowering A 4x4

Has anyone lowered a 4x4??? my goal is to build a v8 drag ranger. i have a 92 2wd that was going to get the conversion but i came across a mid 80s 4x4 with the v8 conversion already done and its the right price. also will the drivetrain handle launching in 4wd?? i have built drag trucks before and always fought traction problems so the 4x4 is the ticket if it will stay together. thanks for the help in advance.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: Charlestown, IN
don't lower a 4x4.......no the drivetrain will not handle it because the front tires have nothing to slip on......the front tires have to be able to slip in order for 4x4 to work properly.........do it to a 2wd truck......easier and way cheaper! besides you can never get a 4x4 as low as a 4x2
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: nova
ive lowered a 4x4.. lol and about to again!

i know with the newer gens you can get them pretty low (not as low as a 2wd but you really dont need to slam it anyways lol). I would be a little hesitant though. I think it may **** up the tranfercase since it wasnt made for racing
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: Lexington Park, MD
4x4=dont lower
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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pointless to lower a 4x4 and drag it, just think about all the extra weight you gotta pull. The t-case, differential/axel, axel shafts, driveshafts. 2wd with a v8 is your best bet. And also to my knowledge your not suppose to drive over 45mph in 4wd
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: Charlestown, IN
Originally Posted by a311fanam
pointless to lower a 4x4 and drag it, just think about all the extra weight you gotta pull. The t-case, differential/axel, axel shafts, driveshafts. 2wd with a v8 is your best bet. And also to my knowledge your not suppose to drive over 45mph in 4wd
you can drive over 45 mph in 4HI...........but if you have to use 4wd, then the conditions are too dangerous to drive over 45mph anyway!
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: DREXEL HILL PA
Thanks for all the replies!! the motor is not in the truck at the moment so putting it in my 2wd is just as easy. i have been a mechanic for 16yrs and have worked in a custom 4x4 shop a few years ago. driving in a straight line while in 4wd on dry ground is fine especially if your only going 1/4 mile at a time. its turning in 4wd on dry ground that causes issues. anyway once the deal goes through i will post some pics of the motor (not your run of the mill 302) thanks again bud
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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you cant lower a ibeamer 4x4 with aftermarket 2wd drop beams. If you can find a set of bronco 2 dropped ibeams it will work on your 4x4. Kits just have fun finding a set of bronco 2 dropped ibeams..
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: Charlestown, IN
Originally Posted by Mark98xlt
you cant lower a ibeamer 4x4 with aftermarket 2wd drop beams. If you can find a set of bronco 2 dropped ibeams it will work on your 4x4. Kits just have fun finding a set of bronco 2 dropped ibeams..
if you use the drop beams, it will get rid of the 4wd system......the beams are for 2wd trucks.....yea they offered the bronco II in 2wd!
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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Originally Posted by xp1ik99
4x4=dont lower
 
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Old Aug 14, 2006
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From: Parma Ohio
Originally Posted by lifted97ranger
if you use the drop beams, it will get rid of the 4wd system......the beams are for 2wd trucks.....yea they offered the bronco II in 2wd!
Wrong, They make dropped B2's beams that will work on the 4x4 but the 4x4 system will not work with a 3 inch drop, 2 inch drop it will work but your going to have ot cut your coils to get 2 inches. The B2 and ranger 4x4 have the same crossmembers. If your going to use the b2 droped ibeams chasis tech sells them but your prob going to have to change to 83-88 spindles. If you dont beleive me go check the b2 section on rps.
 
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Old Aug 17, 2006
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Originally Posted by a311fanam
And also to my knowledge your not suppose to drive over 45mph in 4wd
The manual for my 2004 says I can put it in 4x4 going up to 80mph.

Not that I would, but I could...
 
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Old Aug 17, 2006
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From: Charlestown, IN
Originally Posted by Mark98xlt
Wrong, They make dropped B2's beams that will work on the 4x4 but the 4x4 system will not work with a 3 inch drop, 2 inch drop it will work but your going to have ot cut your coils to get 2 inches. The B2 and ranger 4x4 have the same crossmembers. If your going to use the b2 droped ibeams chasis tech sells them but your prob going to have to change to 83-88 spindles. If you dont beleive me go check the b2 section on rps.
you ought to make sure that the beams are not for a 4x2 b2..............now you could cut and turn the 4x4 beam to work, but it would take alot of engineering for a company to make cut and turned down beams to sell....you would have to engineer it to accept the Dana 28 housing............if you believe everything you read on rps, then you need help!
 
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Old Aug 17, 2006
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From: Parma Ohio
Originally Posted by lifted97ranger
you ought to make sure that the beams are not for a 4x2 b2..............now you could cut and turn the 4x4 beam to work, but it would take alot of engineering for a company to make cut and turned down beams to sell....you would have to engineer it to accept the Dana 28 housing............if you believe everything you read on rps, then you need help!
That is true but when it comes from a person like brandon miller who knows his ****
 
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Old Aug 17, 2006
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From: Charlestown, IN
btw......if you can get the b2 4x4 drop beams, you better make sure that you have the dana 28 in your front end..........the dana 28, 35 beams are different...........if you have a 35, the beams for the 28 will not fit!
 
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Old Aug 18, 2006
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Ds truck has the 4wd suspension pkg from ford, tho its 2wd. he lowered it. tho, hes got ALOT of work into it.
 
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